Exotics

This graphic reads: Abigale Patten, North Carolina, Clinical Year Rotations, Class of 2026.

Aug 13, 2025

From Her Fourth-Year Rotations, Abigale Patten Reports

Abigale Patton, NC State College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2026, is a North Carolina native with an undergraduate degree in animal sciences from NC State University. She started her fourth-year clinical rotation this summer working at the May Wildlife Rehab Clinic at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

This graphic reads: Aniya Brown, Boyce Close, Hluhluwe, South Africa, Live4Now Wild Vets, Class of 2027.

Jul 23, 2025

From the South African Wilds, Aniya Brown Reports

WEEK THREE (FINAL WEEK) My final week in South Africa has been packed with some of the most hands-on, impactful experiences of the trip — ending this journey on an unforgettable high note. We began by partnering with HALO CVC (Hoedspruit Animal Outreach) to provide basic veterinary care to animals in underserved rural communities. We…

This graphic reads: Eris Mihelic, Iquitos, Peru, RAREC Center, Class of 2027.

Jun 11, 2025

From Peru, Eris Mihelic Reports on Rainforest Work

FINAL WEEK My last week in the Amazon started with a visit to a local aquarium that also serves as the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes. The aquarium was filled with fish found locally in the Amazon River and was arranged to mimic the flow of water, with exhibits highlighting the river’s different ecosystems,…

May 13, 2025

Clinical Trials, Explained: How You and Your Pet Can Help Save Lives and Advance Veterinary Medicine

When Deidre Bruce took her newly adopted cat Punky to his first couple veterinary appointments in 2021, the last thing she expected to learn was that 1-year-old Punky had a progressive and incurable heart condition. Punky was diagnosed with feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes thickening of the heart’s walls and can eventually lead…

Exotic animal medicine intern Dr. Amanda Day conducts a physical exam on umbrella cockatoo Boo. Registered veterinary technician Meagan Smith holds Boo on a towel during the exam.

Apr 18, 2025

Therapy Bird Regains Sight Thanks to NC State Veterinary Ophthalmologists and Exotic Medicine Experts

Cataracts had rendered Boo, a 40-year-old umbrella cockatoo, effectively blind for a quarter of his life — until ophthalmology and zoological companion animal medicine specialists at NC State offered him a unique surgery.

Dr. Maria Dolores "Loli" Porcel Sánchez lifts a lion skull while looking at it through surgical loupes in a dark room.

Apr 14, 2025

House Officer Highlight: Incisive NC State Residency Trains the Specialists Who Treat Canines, Fangs and Tusks

Dental health is whole-body health, says Dr. Maria Dolores “Loli” Porcel Sánchez, a second-year resident in NC State’s veterinary dentistry and oral surgery program.

Feb 18, 2025

For Georgia Aquarium Veterinarian, NC State Turned the Tide

When treating sick sand dollars or diagnosing a diabetic sea otter, Georgia Aquarium’s Dr. Gregory Scott feels waves of gratitude for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM program and zoological medicine residency.

Phoenix, a white cockatoo with a yellow crest, stands on her owner's hand in a portrait photo.

Dec 19, 2024

Endangered Cockatoo Rises Anew, Thanks to NC State Cancer Experts

Facing treatment-resistant squamous cell carcinoma, a dedicated owner and resourceful veterinarians collaborate to test an innovative topical treatment with support from Petco Love and the Blue Buffalo Cancer Treatment Fund.

Jul 16, 2024

World Snake Day: Resources for Identifying NC’s Slithering Serpents

We're right in the middle of snake season in North Carolina, and it's good to know what's living in your backyard. Check out some of the snake identification and education resources below.

Jul 16, 2024

The Human Connection

At the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, we conduct research that leads to healing across the animal-human bond. ‘Bench to bedside’ takes a unique form on our campus, where advancements bridging veterinary research and human health care can span ‘barn to bedside’ or ‘farm to table.’